PLN Efforts

I was really set on using Learnist as a tool for my teaching and education. I had been using it a lot to find research various resources on math and classroom inquiry. However, the more I used the website the more I was not liking it. Often I would not find anything that was useful or the resources were too vague. I feel like the website still has a lot of growing in order to reach specific needs. Tweeting is something that I find easier to do and a little more my type of networking. This is probably because it is set up like Facebook as far as getting information out into cyberspace. It is also easier to navigate and follow people. One effort I can make to improve my PLN would be to enhance my blogging efforts. Some support to do this that is effective would be encouragement, or even brief reminders via email/blackboard. Often I get so caught up with my teaching responsibilities that if something is not required it moves lower on my priority list. Sometimes there is a lack of desire to blog, so when asked to simply begin writing can feel like a challenge. I know that writing prompts or topics are easier to start a basis for writing. To get better at blogging I will start writing it as a “to-do” on my weekly agenda, make it a priority and try to start with a general idea or topic to begin writing.

Beginning My Action Research

It is very exciting to begin diving into my question formulated for Action Research (AR); What happens when second grade students are challenged to engage in math inquiry? Even though the question will evolve and change throughout my research, having a solid starting point is critical and very exciting. What is just as important as having a strong starting point is to begin indulging in past research based around my topic. Before I start diving into my inquiry I need to review what kinds of studies have already been conducted and what information has already been explored, as well as what parts of my topic have not been given much attention. After reading "Chapter 4: Standing on the Shoulders of Those Who Came Before" (pp. 41-50) from The Power of Questions, I began to develop a strong sense of to start my literature review. The following quote from chapter four stood out to me: “… you might discover that there are different perspectives on the same issue. You may need to compare and contrast the studies so that you eventually can get a better sense of where you stand on the question in relation to the approach of others… You can use these understanding to adopt your own perspective on your question.” This quote stood out to me because I sometimes will review well-written research and quickly commit to the research findings. However, it is important to be aware and somewhat critical of the information I read. There might be two-sides to the research that I need to review. If I find information that takes a stance on both sides of a topic, then I’m better able to form my own opinion and eventually conduct better research on my own part. A website that is going to assist me in the exploration of topics and different points of views is Diigolet. I like the idea that I'm able to quickly bookmark and save websites that I might want to furhter explore at a later time. If I find a website interesting I can bookmark it, then find a counter argument on another website and bookmark that page as well. When I have the time to really explore both sides, I can go to Diigolet.com and both websites will be displayed, ready for me to click and begin exploring and forming my own opinion.

Godin

Godin

I'm a Resident of the Web

Currently, I’m a resident.  When I log onto the Internet I’m visible, social and networking. I used to view the Internet as an endless opportunity to explore and establish myself, with no consequences. However, as the Internet has become more prominent and widely used I have been changing my views on my residency within the web.

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore different networking sites, specifically those that require a “resident” type presence, when they first opened (twitter, Facebook, foursquare, etc.). I know how to use the networks effectively and efficiently; I have had many jobs where my sole responsibility was to manage and maintain a web presence. Along with managing sites for companies and non-profits I too was creating my own personal presence on them as a way to further explore their potential. However, I have found given my career choice that my residency needs to be altered. I need to start finding a happy medium between being a resident and a visitor, lower my presence. In terms of the relevant video, I want to move out of my residency and instead start using the Internet as a tool when I come to visit.

My Passion

I have a strong commitment and dedication to the wellbeing and prosperity of children, youth and their communities. As a graduate of Political Science, I gained a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for the power of a healthy, growing community. I believe that school is the first place students begin to understand this concept and I take it as my responsibility to teach it.

Upon obtaining my Master’s of Education, Curriculum and Instruction and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, I aim to fully dedicate my time in California classrooms, and eventually seek participation in school administration. Within school administration I plan to promote policies and practices that will help improve both teaching and learning at various levels of the educational system. The policies and practices in place will be for the overall benefit of the communities in which I live.

A Whole New Mind

According to Roger W. Sperry, L-Directed thinking is reasoning sequentially, excelled analysis and handling of words. Whereas R-Directed thinking is reasoning holistically, recognizing patterns and interpreting emotions and nonverbal expressions. My subject, multiple subject, requires a little bit of both. As a multiple subject educator I have to teach students how to think in both ways and function in everyday life. To find a balance teachers have to teach to the “whole child”.

Abundance, Asia, and Automation affect the dominance of L-Directed thinking in business and schools by diminishing it in the need of the workforce. There is automatically an abundance of so many things that now those things need to be visually appealing and have more of an aesthetic touch for it to be sold/valuable. Therefore, R-Directed thinking is going to be valued more in the future.

High concept is the ability to create new ideas or things that are appealing to the eye i.e. art , emotional beauty, etc. High Touch is the ability to empathize, or understand human interaction, to find one’s self. This will impact my teaching because I will have to be a person who can appeal to those types of clients (parents and students).

IQ tests linear and sequential thinking- it is a specific type of test. It does not value R-Directed thinking. There is room for EQ in education. The book states, “…the capacity for compassion, care, and uplift- which are becoming a key component of many occupations in the Conceptual Age.”